New Bikes and Gear at Eurobike 2013

September 10, 2013

Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.

Held every August in Friedrichshafen, Germany, the Eurobike show attracts bike companies, retailers, journalists, and consumers—and serves as the launch for many of the next year’s new cycling goodies. Here’s a look at the spectacle, as well as some of the products that caught our eye.—Words and images by Emily Furia

<br />
For those of us from the other side of the pond, Eurobike provides an opportunity to learn about small companies not widely known in the US, such as Paper Bicycle. (Despite the name, the Taiwanese-made frames are constructed of steel.) The company builds its city bikes to order in Scotland, with your choice of paint color, chainguard graphic, gearing, and lights. Kid seats, cargo trailers, and baskets are also available. <br />
<br />
Info: <a href="http://www.paper-bicycle.com">paper-bicycle.com </a>

<br />
Zdenko Oliver Santini has been working with <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/senseless/index.html">bike helmets</a> since eighth grade, when he added cardboard horns and polystyrene eyes to his lid in an attempt to make it less geeky. Today, his designs for Danish company Crazy Safety help your little cyclist unleash his or her inner dragon, zebra, tiger, giraffe, and more. Also available: matching cable locks and bells. <br />
<br />
Info: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.crazy-safety.com ">crazy-safety.com </a>

<br />
Bag-maker Basil&rsquo;s booth was one of the prettiest at the show. In one corner, the company constructed a mini tea room to showcase its new Elegance line, which includes panniers, a shopping bag that clips to the handlebar, and an oversize purse. <br />
<br />
Info: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basil.com">basil.com</a>

<br />
The most elaborate booth belonged to Specialized Bicycles, which created museum-like environments for each of its bike categories, complete with a faux forest for mountain bikes. Its city models sat parked next to a coffee shop that served espresso to weary trade-show wanderers. <br />
<br />
<em>Related: </em><a href="http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/specialized-2014-mou... "><em>2014 Specialized Mountain Bike and Gear Preview</em></a><br />

<br />
The Lake Jump contest, held just outside the convention center, was open to all comers, but most attendees opted to spectate from the safety of the sun-drenched shore. Scuba divers were on hand to guide riders and their wheels back to dry land.

<br />
Spend just a few minutes on the trade show floor, and the differences between European and American cycling culture become apparent. One example: German bike company Puky includes racks and fenders on nearly all of its kids&rsquo; bikes.<br />
<br />
<em>Related: </em><a href="http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/bikes-and-gear-features/child-s-play... Bike Gear for Kids</em></a><br />

<br />
E-bikes were big at Eurobike, and the most intriguing of the bunch was the Mando Footloose. The Korean automotive supplier tapped former Rolls Royce engineer Mark Sander to design the sleek folding frame, which has no chain or shifters. Instead, energy generated by pedaling charges the internal battery that powers the motor; the system automatically shifts gears in response to the terrain. The bike, which won a Red Dot Design Award this year, is currently available only in Asia. <br />
<br />
Related: <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/bikes-and-gear-features/buyer-s-guid... Buyer's Guide</a>

<br />
After the show shut down for the evening, the crew from Rapha led attendees—many atop disc-equipped Pinarello demo bikes—on a two-hour, gently rolling ride through the farmland, forests, and orchards surrounding Friedrichshafen.